The Women’s Fund invites community members to its Grants in Action Expert Roundtable on the growing crisis of food insecurity in Santa Barbara County.

The free event is 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the New Vic Theater, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara.

A panel of experts will explore the economic, social and health impacts of food insecurity, and why so many struggle to access nutritious food.

Attendees will learn how existing support systems are working to meet the community’s food needs, increasingly without government support; and discover how schools, health-care systems, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and the philanthropic community can collaborate on lasting solutions.

Santa Barbara County has one of the highest poverty rates in California, per the Public Policy Institute of California, The Women’s Fund reports.

According to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, one in three local households faces food insecurity — more than double the national rate.

The burden falls hardest on lower-income families and children, who must often prioritize housing, gas, utilities, and medical attention over nutritious food, even as drastic cuts in government aid increase the pressure on local nonprofits, The Women’s Fund said.

Panel members are:
• Lacey Baldiviez Johnston, president, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County.
• Van Do-Reynoso, chief customer experience officer, CenCal Health.
• Rachel Lipman, assistant director, Economic Assistance & Employment Services, Department of Social Services, Santa Barbara County.
• Angela Miller-Bevan, executive director, Unity Shoppe.
• Eryn Shugart, executive director, Veggie Rescue.
• Moderator: Susan Liles, Nutrition Services/WIC director for Santa Barbara County Health Department.

Members of the public can register at https://womensfundsb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=321.

Women’s Fund members register at https://womensfundsb.org/.